Role of long-range interaction on the electrical transport and electron-phonon scattering in thermoelectric Mg2Si

Abstract

Many thermoelectrics are polar materials, where the long-range interaction plays a non-negligible role; however, its effect on the electrical transport property of thermoelectric materials is yet to be fully investigated. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of long-range interaction on the electrical transport property and the electron-phonon scattering mechanism in thermoelectric Mg2Si. We find that agreement between experimental and theoretical electrical conductivities can be significantly improved after considering the long-range interaction. In addition, we also demonstrate the importance of long-range interaction for studying the effect of band convergence on thermoelectric properties. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.